If any of you watched the Olympics late last night you may have caught this interview of Kobe Bryant by NBC’s Chris Collinsworth. The line of questioning pandered to all those who despise America. While one particular question sounded more like part of a Barack Obama speech, the answer was something spectacular that we’ve never seen nor heard from anyone in the Obama camp.
Say what you will about Kobe Bryant, but this video elevated our respect for him tremendously. Hat tip to MsUnderstimated for the video and Gateway Pundit who has the transcript.
Kobe: Well, you know it’s just our country, it’s… we believe is the greatest country in the world. It has given us so many great opportunities, and it’s just a sense of pride that you have; that you say “You know what? Our country is the best!”
Collinsworth: Is that a ‘cool’ thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you’re fighting for the red, white and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by(?)
Kobe: No, it’s a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor.
If you thought Kobe was patriotic (he also sang the Star Spangled Banner with a smile during the gold medal ceremony) – check out Scott Winkler, Paralympic & USMC!
Update: Collinsworth closing comments on the Olympics stated something to the effect he was surprised at Kobe Bryant’s patriotism and pride, and he further solidified his right wing views by saying no countries national anthem moved him more than China’s. Wow. We’ll look for the video.
Tags: Kobe Bryant, Life, Media, News, Olympics, Paralympics, Politics, Random, Scott Winkler, Sports, Video
August 17, 2008 at 3:38 AM
Kobe is just repeating the same tired narrative we hear every day without any context.
If the USA is so great, why don’t we have free healthcare? Why are we in an economic crisis? Why do we have the highest military budget in world history but our military can’t even beat a rag-tag insurgency? Why are we the world’s biggest polluter? Even our Olympic opening ceremonies are crap compared to China’s.
August 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Daniel – I don’t think Kobe is speaking from a political point-of-view. When you travel and you are surrounded by so many whose culture and beliefs are different from yours, you realize how much you have in common with other Americans.
When I travel and I bump into other Americans, people whom I may not have ANYTHING in common with when we’re here – we become best of pals and continue realtionships when we get back to the states.
Being away from America makes you appreciate all the good things America has to offer – you tend to ignore the worst of America when you’re abroad.
So I’m sure Kobe was GENUINELY proud of being American and representing America. :-)
August 17, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Daniel and people like him are tired, and his nonsensical comments are par for the course. They have no answers, only complaints about issues they aren’t even properly informed.
Even the worst of America is better than many other places which is why people like David are still here, and millions risk their lives to get here.
August 17, 2008 at 6:29 PM
well, everyone has their own opinion and of course everyone has proud to their own country weither its good or not too good. i think kobe he is just a normal citizen that really proud to their own country you know. forget political issues because this is olympic and everything that you’ve done you should proud of it and this is the big opportunity and good to play to a different team and different countries and also to experience other culture too. so, forget those nonsense issues.